I did not inherit my mom's green thumb, but gardening has become enjoyable, rewarding and something I can do with my kids. My husband's creativity and hard work has made our garden a relaxing place with a fish pond, a fountain, and a beautiful arbor. I like to sneak out in the morning and late afternoon and enjoy the peace and quiet that can only be found there.
Unfortunately, the birds and insects have also found my utopia. As I am not a natural gardener, I have learned by trial and error what to do to get rid of these pests. Some of these remedies worked (squishing the caterpillars), and most did not (banana peels in the soil). The result has been fat and happy birds and insects and not much left for the humans. I've given up on the artichokes for this year, but am determined to save the tomatoes, strawberries and grapes. I have placed a net over the entire garden and yet the birds keep getting in. I took my dilemma to my facebook friends and got a wide range of response. The most notable of these was using a 40 caliber. Instead I decided to put bright shiny objects all over the garden to scare them away. If that doesn't work, I'm buying an owl and a bb gun. Here is a look at my "Sanford and Son" display in my backyard. Cross your fingers it works, cuz I'm not a very experienced with a gun.
